Pregnancy and Maternity Care

You have been directed to this page because you are newly pregnant. You will find all the information you need before seeing your midwife on this page, including how to refer yourself for your antenatal care. If you don’t understand something you find written here, or you have any questions, please make an appointment with a GP who will be happy to talk with you.

Website: www.nhs.uk/pregnancy 

Referral to the antenatal team

You should refer yourself for your antenatal care at your choice of Wythenshawe Hospital, St Mary’s at the MRI, North Manchester General, or Royal Bolton here.

If you want to be referred to another site, e.g. Stockport, then you will need to speak to a GP to be referred.

When do I need to speak to a doctor?

Some people will need to speak with a GP before they are seen by the midwives at the antenatal clinic for the first time. This is because they need a higher dose of vitamins prescribing by the GP to prevent birth defects or because their medications need to be reviewed by a doctor. If any of the following apply to you, please contact the practice to book an appointment with a GP:

  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems on medication
  • Coeliac disease
  • Sickle cell or thalassaemia
  • A previous pregnancy with a “neural tube defect”, also called spina bifida
  • A BMI over 30 or under 18.5 (you can calculate your BMI here)
  • Significant mental health problems
  • Taking any regular medication
  • You want to talk through any concerns with your GP

What if I don’t want to be pregnant?

If you do not want to continue with your pregnancy you can contact the Central Booking Service (CBS) on 0345 365 0565 to discuss further.

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy-termination

Website: https://mft.nhs.uk/saint-marys/whitworth-clinic

St Mary’s Hospital provide a free counselling service.

Telephone: 0161 276 4319

Website: https://mft.nhs.uk/Whitworth-Clinic-Counselling-Service

National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service

Abortion Care Service

Telephone: 0333 0046666

Website: https://www.nupas.co.uk/

MSI Reproductive Choices – Manchester Treatment Centre

They offer medical abortion care (also known as abortion with pills) and surgical abortion care. They offer an abortion telemedicine service (also known as abortion pills at home or abortion pills by post).

Telephone: 0345 300 8090

Website: https://www.msichoices.org.uk/

Important information about lifestyle changes during pregnancy

Certain vitamins are recommended during pregnancy to aid the development of their baby and prevent developmental problems like spina bifida. It is also recommended to stop smoking, avoid drinking alcohol and limit caffeine. There are also certain foods and medicines which can be harmful during pregnancy.

You can find all the information you need about changes to your lifestyle, including vitamins to take during pregnancy, on the NHS website.

Seeking medical attention when pregnant

Routine problems:

  • GP
    • If you have a non-urgent concern regarding yourself or your pregnancy, for example urine infections or skin complaints, then make an appointment to see your GP. If you are unable to get an appointment or your practice is closed you can call 111 to speak to an out of hours doctor.
  • Midwife
    • You can discuss routine and ongoing pregnancy related care with your community midwife. You will be given a contact number for them at your booking (first) appointment.

Urgent problems:

  • EPAS/EGU
    • If you have an urgent concern related to your pregnancy you can contact the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAS)/Emergency Gynaecology Unit (EGU). The EGU is based at Wythenshawe hospital and is open 24/7 to women in early pregnancy with urgent problems related to their pregnancy. You should contact them yourself on the number below. Examples of urgent problems related to pregnancy include:
      • Bleeding
      • Tummy pain
      • Nausea and vomiting where you feel dizzy or unwell
    • The contact number for EPAS/EGU is 0161 291 2561
    • Later in your pregnancy, any urgent problems are seen at the maternity triage unit at your chosen hospital, and this will be discussed with you further at your midwife appointments.
    • Website: https://mft.nhs.uk/maternity-triage

Emergencies:

  • A&E
    • If you have an emergency not related to your pregnancy, for example chest pains or breathing troubles, please attend your nearest A&E as usual. Always make sure you inform the staff that you are pregnant.

University Hospital of South Manchester Maternity Ward

If you choose to give birth at UHSM its highly skilled, caring team will support you to have the most healthy, smooth pregnancy and birth possible. On offer are both a midwife-led birthing centre and a consultant-led delivery suite. Facilities include the largest number of birthing pools in the country, making the unit a popular choice for women wanting to find out more about having a water birth.

Telephone: 0161 291 2942

Website: www.uhsm.nhs.uk

Email: [email protected]

Baby Buddy App

Baby Buddy is an award-winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy

Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy

Maternity Exemption Form

Please follow the link to apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate:

https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/apply-for-maternity-exemption/start

Post-Natal Care

Please complete this online form prior to your postnatal check so that we can discuss the answers at the review.

Website: https://www.online-consult.co.uk/post-natal-form

Exercise and advice can be found in the link below

Website: https://thepogp.co.uk/after_pregnancy

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/post-natal-depression